American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez raved about finalists Jessica Meuse and Emily Piriz during Wednesday night's Top 13 performance show.

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Asked to perform a song that represented who they are as artists, Jessica chose to sing "The Crow and The Butterfly" and Emily Piriz opted to take the stage with "Glitter in the Air" by P!nk.

Jennifer said she got the chills from listening to Jessica's rock performance.

"Just the sound and the power of your voice right when you started gave me goosies everywhere," Jennifer told her. "It was my favorite vocal performance of the night so far. It really was. It sat right in the pocket of where your sweet spot is in your voice. It was just perfect... Dope."

Judge Keith Urban told the artist it was "a very bold but cool song choice."

"That side of you, we haven't quite seen that... There was a dark, haunting quality to it," Keith said. "And that's what you've got in you as an artist. There's an edge in your voice and a rasp that's really appealing. So I love the fact that you chose that song tonight."

Judge Harry Connick Jr. was also impressed with Jessica's performance.

"It was really cool to hear you sing slightly differently," Harry added. "You must want to bust out of your skin with enthusiasm for different song choices, and I thought that was strong, man. I heard a different sound of your voice and it was really nice. Nice job."

Jennifer also couldn't help but praise Emily after she sang the P!nk song.

"That's a tough song to take on but you did it so beautifully," Jennifer said. "You sang it with a lot of emotion. The pitch was beautiful, dynamics, everything. I mean, I don't know what to say. I'm gushing! It was really good."

"It was really great Emily," agreed Harry.

"P!nk wrote one hell of a tune and I really dig that tune. I like the fact you said, 'This is a leap of faith' and that's kind of what your whole experience on Idol is and how you tied it together. Jen's right. That's not an easy song to sing and I really thought you sang the melody well and you conveyed the emotions well. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. I'm proud of you."

"Wow, that was big for Harry!" Jennifer interjected. "I don't know if anyone else felt that in the room!"

"I was waiting for the 'but....'" Keith noted.

"Yay Emily!" Jennifer yelled while clapping.

"Emily, I agree with Jen," Keith added. "That was a beautiful vocal performance top to bottom, it really was -- one of my favorites of the night, period, right? And it's a beautiful song."

After many contestants battled nerves onstage and sang out of tune due to all the pressure during last night's show, Jennifer suggested the following advice to the thirteenth-season finalists.

"Stop thinking a little bit... Start thinking about what you know rather than what you're afraid might happen," Jennifer said.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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